Australia has an amazingly diverse range of national parks that showcase the best that nature has to offer. From the breathtaking coastal scenery of Tasmania’s Freycinet Peninsula to the mystery and wonder of Kakadu, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a handy little guide to help you get the most out of Australian National Parks.
NEW SOUTH WALES
44 of NSW’s parks have daily entry fees that are usually set at $7. There are a number of annual pass options available, including a Country Parks Pass which grants you entry to every park in country NSW (except Kosciuszko NP) for $45 per year.
While camping is free in some parks, prices start from around $3 per person per night. The majority of camping grounds operate on a ‘first come, first served’ basis, but some will require advance booking.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
Tel: 1300 361 967
Web: www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
QUEENSLAND
None of Queensland’s many beautiful parks require you to pay entry fees. However, if you are planning on taking a car to any one of Bribie, Fraser or Moreton Islands, you will need to get a vehicle service permit.
If you want to do a spot of bush camping, the fee is $4.50 per person per night or $18 per family per night. Advance booking is required in many cases and can be done by phone or in some cases online. Some popular parks can be very busy during peak times, so keep in mind that you can make a booking up to 12 months before your planned visit.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service
Tel: 1300 130 372
Web: www.epa.qld.gov.au
Campsite Booking: 13 13 04
VICTORIA
You won’t be charged for entry into most Victorian National Parks, but those that do have an entry fee are under $10. A National Parks Pass will cost you $69.20 and exempt you from the entry fee at Wilsons Promontory NP, Mount Buffalo NP, Mornington Peninsula NP, Baw Baw NP, and the Yarra Ranges NP for 12 months.
Most parks charge a fee for camping and some require booking well in advance. However, some sites do operate on a ‘first come, first served’ basis, while other popular spots like Wilsons Prom use a ballot system during peak times. Camping fees vary, but usually average around the $10 mark per site per night.
Parks Victoria
Tel: 13 19 63
Web: www.parkweb.vic.gov.au
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Some parks in South Australia charge an entry fee, with prices usually being around $7.50 per car. Camping fees typically cost between $4 and $8 per person per day.
You can, however, invest in a National Parks Pass to save a few dollars. A multi-park pass gives you 12 months’ unlimited entry to all parks in South Australia except the eight Desert Parks and Flinders Chase National Park for $67 for entry only. $112 will cover both entry and camping fees. Alternatively, you can get a Holiday Pass which covers a shorter period of time.
Most campsites operate on a ‘first come, first served’ basis, but some do require booking.
SA Parks
Tel: (08) 8204 1910
Web: www.parks.sa.gov.au
TASMANIA
The entry fee for a car to any of Tasmania’s great national parks is $20 per day. A Holiday Pass gives you access to all parks for a period of eight weeks and will set you back $50. A Yearly Pass to all parks is priced at $60 in the low season and $84 in the peak season.
There’s plenty of free camping spots in Tassie parks, and those that do require payment are usually priced at less than $5 per person per night. Most sites do not need advance booking.
Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service
Tel: 1300 135 513
Web: www.parks.tas.gov.au
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Entry to a number of WA parks costs $10 per vehicle per day. A Holiday All Parks Pass provides unlimited entry to all parks for $35 for four weeks. An Annual All Parks Pass does the same thing for a whole year at a cost of $75.
For sites with just basic facilities, camping costs $6.50 per person per night, and it’s $7.50 for campgrounds with a higher level of facilities. There are no bookings required.
Department Of Environment and Conservation
Tel: (08) 9334 0333
Web: www.naturebase.net
NORTHERN TERRITORY
Some parks in the Northern Territory charge entry fees. For example, entry to Uluru-Kata Tjuta NP costs $25 and is valid for three consecutive days.
In the parks where camping is permitted, fees vary according to the standard of the campground facilities. $6.60 per person per night is a good guide of what to expect.
Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts
Tel: (08) 8999 4555
Web: www.nt.gov.au/nreta/parks
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